Pope Leo XIV: 'Love for our neighbor is tangible proof of the authenticity of our love for God'

Pope Leo XIV offered words of encouragement to the Catholic Extension Society in its mission of accompanying poor and remote Catholic communities throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Cuba during a May 18 papal audience, declaring that "love for our neighbor is tangible proof of the authenticity of our love for God."

Gathering with members of Catholic Extension's board of governors in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father conveyed his gratitude for the organization's labor in underserved dioceses and its ministry to immigrant families.

"The early Church bears witness to the fact that wherever there is a true faith community, Christian charity inspires its members to alleviate the suffering of others and tend to those in need, especially the poor," Pope Leo XIV said, speaking in English.

"Love for the poor can therefore be understood as 'the evangelical hallmark of a Church faithful to the heart of God' (Dilexi Te 103), and also open the door for those we serve to come to know the Lord more deeply as we bear witness to his love."

The legacy of Catholic Extension Society

Father Francis Clement Kelley founded Catholic Extension Society in 1905 in Lapeer, Michigan, to bring the sacraments to isolated Catholics scattered across America's frontier towns. In those early years, missionaries traveled aboard rail cars to celebrate Mass in far-flung communities.

"The same zeal that moved the Christians of the early Church to share the news of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Spirit inspired your founder, Father Francis Clement Kelley over 120 years ago," the Pope said.

"He sought to reach out to remote faith communities across the United States in order to bring to them the very life of Christ through the sacraments and the support of a larger Catholic community. This missionary enthusiasm is still needed today."

Pope Leo offered particular praise for the society's work in Puerto Rico and Cuba, calling it "a beautiful expression of the universality of the Church and a living reminder that 'love for our neighbor is tangible proof of the authenticity of our love for God.' (Dilexi Te 26)."

Rebuilding work today

At present, Catholic Extension Society is helping to rebuild more than 600 Catholic churches in Puerto Rico that were damaged by Hurricane Maria.

During the audience, Sister Fatima Santiago, a Missionary Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and a member of the society's board of governors, presented the Pope with letters from some of the "immigrant families she serves in South Texas who have experienced traumatic separations and severe economic hardship due to the detention or deportation of mothers with children," according to a news release from the Catholic Extension Society.

"I likewise encourage the pastoral care you are offering to the disadvantaged, as well as to the many immigrant families in the United States," the Pope said. "It is imperative that our brothers and sisters experience the warmth of a community which is marked by the presence of Christ."

Pope Pius X elevated Catholic Extension Society to a Pontifical Society in 1910. Today, the fundraising organization extends its reach to more than 15 million American Catholics living in poor mission dioceses.

Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension Society, hails from Dolton, Illinois — the same working-class town where Pope Leo grew up. The Holy Father noted the connection at the opening of the audience in the Apostolic Palace, remarking, "when someone from Dolton, Illinois, comes, we have to open all the doors! There aren't many of us around anymore."

"I would like to thank you for your continued efforts to minister to the needs of the poorer Catholic communities both in the United States and abroad," Pope Leo told the organization.

"Let us continue to serve the Lord with gladness and generosity, motivated by love of God and neighbor and the certainty that the Father 'who sees in secret will reward you' (Mt 6:4)," he said.